Metairie, LA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
139,729
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,042/yr
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
66,355
0.9% year-over-year change

Metairie population

How many people live in Metairie

Metairie is home to 139,729 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49% of Metairie locals are male, and 51% are female.

Total population
139,729
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49%
68,440
Female
51%
71,289
Value Percent YoY change
Male 68,440 49% 0.7%
Female 71,289 51% 0.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Metairie is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.4% are children under 15, then 10.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.3% of the population, while another 23.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.4%
15 to 24
10.2%
25 to 44
27.3%
45 to 64
23.8%
Over 65
21.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 24,257 17.4% 2.2%
15 to 24 14,236 10.2% 2.2%
25 to 44 38,187 27.3% 0.9%
45 to 64 33,195 23.8% -2.0%
Over 65 29,854 21.4% 0.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Metairie, 84.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 66.6% of locals are Caucasian, 9.9% are African American and 3.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 14.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.5%
Non-citizens
8.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 118,499 84.8% 1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 9,132 6.5% -4.2%
Non-citizens 12,098 8.7% -2.0%
Racial breakdown
White
66.6%
Black or African American
9.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.4%
Asian
3.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
14.5%
Other
4.5%
Value Percent
White 92,984 66.6%
Black or African American 13,832 9.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2,030 1.4%
Asian 4,334 3.1%
Two or more races 20,233 14.5%
Other 6,316 4.5%

Households in Metairie

A peek inside Metairie households

Metairie has 61,248 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.4% are families, while the remaining 44.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
61,248
0.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
27,300
Family households
33,948
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 27,300 44.6% 4.8%
Family households 33,948 55.4% -2.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Metairie

The housing landscape of Metairie

Metairie's housing consists of 66,355 units, with 61.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
66,355
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 40,578 61.2%
1 unit, attached 2,833 4.3%
2 units 2,678 4%
3 or 4 units 3,968 6%
5 to 9 units 2,902 4.4%
10 to 19 units 3,443 5.2%
20 to 49 units 3,839 5.8%
50 or more units 5,622 8.5%
Mobile home 446 0.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 46 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
579
108.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Metairie

In Metairie, the median construction year is 1972. About 2.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,654 2.5% -1.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,356 3.6% -16.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 9,021 13.6% -4.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 16,528 24.9% 1.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 16,077 24.2% 0.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 8,568 12.9% 3.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 4,854 7.3% -3.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,513 6.8% 5.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,205 3.3% 27.2%
Built in 2020 or later 579 0.9% 108.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Metairie occupancy rates

Out of the 61,248 occupied housing units in Metairie, 62.1% are owner-occupied, while 37.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
61,248
0.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
23,198
Owner occupied
38,050
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 23,198 37.9% -0.3%
Owner occupied 38,050 62.1% 1.1%
Unoccupied housing units
7.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Metairie housing costs

Housing costs in Metairie come to a median of $1,203 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,175.

Median housing costs per month
$1,203/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Metairie
$1,175/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Metairie

Metairie education at a glance

About 28.3% of the population in Metairie went to high school, while 21% pursued college studies. Another 7.2% earned an associate degree and 25% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,842 4.4% 17.6%
High school diploma 31,307 28.3% -6.2%
College diploma 23,179 21% -3.5%
Associate degree 7,972 7.2% 9.3%
Bachelor's degree 27,629 25% 4.5%
Graduate degree 15,678 14.2% 2.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Metairie

How much people earn in Metairie

The average annual household income in Metairie was $106,227 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,042, reflecting a -0.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Metairie
$106,227/year
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Metairie
$73,042/year
-0.3% year-over-year change

Metairie income by age

In Metairie, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $81,676. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $84,854 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $42,813, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $63,280 in earnings. Overall, 87.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $42,813 19.1%
25 - 44 $81,676 -0.7%
45 - 64 $84,854 -0.9%
Over 65 $63,280 3.0%
Above poverty level
120,355
Below poverty level
17,194
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 120,355 87.5% 0.6%
Below poverty level 17,194 12.5% 1.1%

Average renter income in Metairie

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Metairie, their median household income was $46,032 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$46,032
Rent-to-income ratio
30.6%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Metairie

Workforce and job types in Metairie

The job market in Metairie is powered by 69,889 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.6% run their own businesses, 65.2% are employed by private companies, and 12.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
69,889
0.6% year-over-year change
White collar
57,333
Blue collar
12,556
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 57,333 82% -0.1%
Blue collar 12,556 18% 3.4%
Employer type
Self employees
12.6%
Private companies
65.2%
Governmental workers
12.3%
Not for profit companies
9.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 8,834 12.6% -7.7%
Private companies 45,604 65.2% -0.6%
Governmental workers 8,569 12.3% 12.4%
Not for profit companies 6,882 9.8% 6.8%
Unemployment rate
4.6%
5.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Metairie stands at 4.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Metairie

How people get around in Metairie

Commuting methods vary: 85.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 58,626 85.9% 0.8%
Taxicab 328 0.5% 16.3%
Bus or trolleybus 336 0.5% -16.0%
Subway or elevated 18 0% N/A
Railroad 167 0.2% 377.1%
Bicycle 77 0.1% 0.0%
Walk 1,179 1.7% -26.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

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FAQs about Metairie demographics 

What is the total population of Metairie?

Metairie has a total population of 139,729 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Metairie?

The gender ratio in Metairie is as follows:
  • 49% males (68,440 residents)
  • 51% females (71,289 residents)

What is the median age in Metairie?

The median age in Metairie is 41.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Metairie?

The age distribution in Metairie is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.4% (24,257 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.2% (14,236 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.3% (38,187 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.8% (33,195 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.4% (29,854 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Metairie?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Metairie is as follows:
  • White: 66.6% (92,984 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.9% (13,832 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.4% (2,030 residents)
  • Asian: 3.1% (4,334 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.5% (20,233 residents)
  • Other: 4.5% (6,316 residents)

What percentage of the population in Metairie are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.8% of the population in Metairie.

How many housing units are there in Metairie?

There are 66,355 housing units in Metairie, reflecting a +0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Metairie and what is the average household size?

Metairie has a total of 61,248 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Metairie?

Metairie has a median household income of $73,042, representing a -0.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Metairie?

The employment rate is 95.4% in Metairie, with a workforce of 69,889 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82% (57,333 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18% (12,556 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.6% (8,834 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.2% (45,604 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.3% (8,569 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.8% (6,882 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025